SIMI VALLEY–Former First Lady Nancy Reagan has begun to invite GOP candidates to the CNN/Reagan Library presidential debate on September 16.
Additional candidates will receive invitations if they meet all of the previously released debate criteria including averaging at least one percent in three recognized national polls between now and September 10.
The CNN Republican candidates’ debate will be divided into two parts featuring two groups of candidates. One group will feature the top 10 candidates and the other will include those who meet the minimum threshold of one percent. An average of all recognized polling released between July 16 and September 10 will determine the groups. Both groups will be moderated by CNN anchor and chief Washington correspondent Jake Tapper.
“My husband was humbled and honored to be President of the United States. I heard him say on more than one occasion that he was only given temporary custody of the presidency, but I know from very personal experience that it was the role of his lifetime,” said former first lady Nancy Reagan. “Debates are a crucial part of the election process, and I’m thrilled that so many qualified candidates have the opportunity to be heard at the Reagan Presidential Library.”
The following candidates have qualified thus far and have received invitations from Mrs. Reagan: Jeb Bush, Ben Carson, Chris Christie, Ted Cruz, Carly Fiorina, John Kasich, Lindsey Graham, Mike Huckabee, Bobby Jindal, George Pataki, Rand Paul, Rick Perry, Marco Rubio, Rick Santorum, Donald Trump, and Scott Walker.
The debate will air live exclusively on CNN and CNNgo, CNN International and CNN Español from the Air Force One Pavilion at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library. In addition, Salem Communications will air the debate live through their broadcast radio stations nationwide.
